Illegal Mining: Faransa Highlights Mandate Of Task Force In Taraba

Brigadier General Jeremiah Faransa, chairman of the Taraba State Special Task Force on Illegal Mining and Deforestation, has reiterated the task force’s commitment to dismantling illegal mining operations in the state.

The task force’s mandate includes conducting raids and arresting and prosecuting groups and individuals involved in illegal mining activities in the state.

At a press conference in Abuja yesterday, General Faransa said, “The task force was set up under executive order number 3, later amended to executive order number 5. The task force comprises all security agencies in Taraba State.

“There is also a mobile court under the task force to try violators, and our mandate is to arrest and hand over to the mobile court for prosecution.”

While lamenting the degradation of forests in the state due to illegal miners’ activities, he commended Governor Agbu Kefas for setting up the task force to curb deforestation and protect the environment.

Also speaking, the special adviser to the Taraba state Governor on Media and Digital Economy, Hon Emma Bello, said, “Taraba State is blessed with almost every known mineral resource that needs to be safeguarded.

“The task before General Faransa is to deal with illegal mining and not mining because the guidelines for proper mining will soon be unveiled by the state government, and we will be ready to welcome investors in the sector.”

The task force has also announced plans to dismantle multiple illegal revenue checkpoints across the state; this move aims to curb illegal mining activities and ensure that revenue generated from mining is properly channelled.